๎Biko is a traditional Filipino delicacy made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar, resulting in a sweet and sticky rice cake that’s both comforting and satisfying.๎๎
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
๎- Simple Ingredients: Requires only glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar.๎๎
๎- Easy Preparation: No need for special equipment; a straightforward cooking process.๎๎
๎- Delicious Flavor: The combination of coconut milk and brown sugar creates a rich, caramel-like taste.๎๎
๎- Perfect for Gatherings: A crowd-pleaser at family events and celebrations.๎๎
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
๎- Glutinous rice๎๎
๎- Coconut milk๎๎
๎- Brown sugar๎๎
๎- Salt๎๎
๎- Optional: Pandan leaves for added aroma๎๎
Directions
- Prepare the Rice: ๎Rinse the glutinous rice until the water runs clear.๎ ๎If using, tie the pandan leaves into a knot.๎๎
- Cook the Rice: ๎In a pot, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and pandan leaves.๎ ๎Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is almost done.๎๎
- Make the Coconut Caramel: ๎In a separate pan, mix coconut milk and brown sugar.๎ ๎Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens into a syrup.๎๎
- Combine Rice and Syrup: ๎Remove the pandan leaves from the rice.๎ ๎Add the rice to the coconut caramel syrup.๎ ๎Gently fold until the rice is fully coated and the mixture is thick and sticky.๎๎
- Bake: ๎Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.๎ ๎Bake in a preheated oven at 350ยฐF (180ยฐC) for 20-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and caramelized.๎๎
- Cool and Serve: ๎Allow the biko to cool before slicing into squares.๎ ๎Serve at room temperature.๎๎
Servings and Timing
- Servings: ๎Approximately 9 squares๎๎
- Preparation Time: ๎10 minutes๎๎
- Cooking Time: ๎1 hour๎๎
- Total Time: ๎1 hour 10 minutes๎๎
Variations
๎- Toppings: Add latik (coconut curds) or toasted coconut flakes on top for extra flavor.๎๎
๎- Flavorings: Incorporate ube (purple yam) or pandan extract for different flavors and colors.๎๎
๎- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste.๎๎
Storage/Reheating
๎- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.๎๎
๎- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or steam for a few minutes until heated through.๎๎
FAQs
What is biko?
๎Biko is a Filipino sticky rice cake made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar, often topped with latik (coconut curds).๎ ๎cite๎turn0search15๎๎
Can I use regular rice instead of glutinous rice?
๎No, glutinous rice is essential for achieving the sticky texture characteristic of biko.๎๎
Where can I find glutinous rice?
๎Glutinous rice is available in Asian grocery stores or the international aisle of most supermarkets.๎๎
What is latik?
๎Latik refers to coconut milk curds used as toppings in Filipino desserts.๎ ๎cite๎turn0search18๎๎
Can I make biko without an oven?
๎Yes, some traditional methods cook biko entirely on the stovetop without baking.๎๎
How do I prevent biko from becoming too mushy?
๎Ensure not to overcook the rice initially; it should be slightly undercooked before mixing with the syrup.๎๎
Is biko gluten-free?
๎Yes, glutinous rice is gluten-free despite its name.๎๎
Can I freeze biko?
๎It’s not recommended, as freezing can alter the texture of the sticky rice.๎๎
What occasions is biko typically served?
๎Biko is commonly served during special occasions like birthdays, fiestas, and holidays in the Philippines.๎๎
How can I add more flavor to my biko?
๎Adding pandan leaves during cooking or topping with latik can enhance the flavor of your biko.๎๎
Conclusion
๎Biko is a delightful Filipino dessert that’s both easy to make and satisfying to eat.๎ ๎With its sweet, sticky texture and rich coconut flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.๎ Enjoy this traditional treat at your next gathering or as a special snack anytime!
PrintEasy Biko Recipe (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake Dessert)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Biko is a sweet and chewy Filipino delicacy made from glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and sweetened with brown sugar. It’s typically topped with latik, which are caramelized coconut milk curds, adding a delightful texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- Rice Base:
- 2 cups glutinous rice (also known as sticky rice or malagkit), washed and drained
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 2 pieces pandan leaves (optional, for added aroma)
- Latik Syrup:
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Topping:
- Latik (caramelized coconut milk curds)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice:
- In a large pot over medium heat, combine 1 cup coconut milk and 1 cup water.
- Add the washed glutinous rice and pandan leaves.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until liquids are absorbed and rice is almost cooked, about 15-20 minutes. The rice should be slightly undercooked at this stage.
- Prepare the Latik Syrup:
- While the rice is cooking, in a separate pan over medium heat, combine 2 cups coconut milk and 1 cup dark brown sugar.
- Stir continuously until the mixture thickens into a syrup, about 15-20 minutes.
- If using, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Reserve about ยฝ cup of this syrup for topping.
- Combine Rice and Syrup:
- Remove pandan leaves from the rice.
- Gently fold the cooked rice into the pan with the remaining latik syrup.
- Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice fully absorbs the syrup and reaches a sticky consistency, about 10-15 minutes.
- Bake the Biko:
- Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with vegetable or coconut oil.
- Transfer the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Pour the reserved ยฝ cup of latik syrup over the top, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
- Prepare the Latik Topping:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, cook 1 cup of coconut milk, stirring regularly, until it reduces and separates into oil and curds.
- Continue cooking until the curds turn golden brown.
- Drain and set aside.
- Serve:
- Allow the biko to cool to room temperature.
- Cut into squares and top each piece with a sprinkle of latik.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar or muscovado sugar.
- Adding pandan leaves during cooking imparts a fragrant aroma to the rice.
- Ensure the rice is not overcooked during the initial cooking phase to maintain a chewy texture.
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